coronavirus

It’s true, the Coronavirus COVID-19 is a serious situation. And the situation seems to be changing almost by the minute.

And, that doesn’t mean we need to stock up on enough toilet paper to last us for the next 3 months! (it may seem silly, but in numerous Costcos and grocery stores across the Greater Toronto Area in Canada they have actually run out of stock of toilet paper!)

While the stats, especially in certain places, are scary, it is not a time to panic or act from a place of fear. And in fact, it can actually be a chance to display brave leadership in action, and choose to see the opportunities that exist in the current landscape.

Have you ever heard of the term equanimity? It describes mental calmness, composure. It’s really your ability to stay calm amidst the chaos.

It’s a term often used in yoga and meditation practices, as it’s about having control over the mind.

In my humble opinion, while again this virus and the current situation is to be taken seriously, it is being significantly elevated by the unnecessary hysteria!

So while I am not a doctor, government official, nor scientist well-versed in how this virus is spread (although I did learn a lot from reading this visual explanation in The New York Times HERE), I have a few ideas that may help us as we navigate the current climate.

BE EMPOWERED.

One of the biggest fears is the fear of the unknown. And one of the most challenging elements of this situation is that there is a lot unknown. AND, there are still many ways we can stay properly informed. Now that doesn’t mean watching the news channels 24/7, but it does mean looking to trusted experts and resources to keep you up to date, instead of your frantic neighbour who has become a hoarder overnight.

BE A LEADER.

In challenging times, you see the leaders arise. They are the ones who are confident and secure, follow the protocols, and trust the officials are doing what they need to be doing. They make others around them feel safe, and instead of being motivated by fear, are motivated by the opportunities that exist. Unicorns are born in tough times. Uber and Airbnb were started during the Great Recession. Amazon took off after the dot com crash. Tesla and SpaceX came on the scene when everyone was looking the other way.

You never know, It may a perfect time to create that online course, to invest in stocks, to write that book.

BE OF SERVICE.

There are many people, businesses, and industries that are being affected in a very serious way. How you can come from a place of service? I’ve reached out to all of my contacts in the events space, especially those who have conferences and events coming up where I am scheduled to speak. I first asked how they were doing. I then confirmed my commitment to be there should the event go on as scheduled. And then I asked how else I could help… by offering to be a back-up presenter or delivering a digital program.

Reach out to your contacts and friends who are being affected. Ask what they may need. Show support. And BUY LOCAL whenever you can! It’s the small local businesses that are going to get hit the hardest.

BE OPEN.

Be open to whatever change is coming your way. We are ALL being affected here. Events are being cancelled, schools are being closed, toilet paper is running out (🤣) Don’t fight it, stay open. Be willing to be flexible, to have your plans change. It’s only those who are too attached to their expectation of how things were supposed to be – whether that be their upcoming holiday or big work opportunity – that experience upset.

BE BRAVE.

Choose to be brave in your mindset, as well as in your actions. You can’t control the situation, but you can control your thoughts. And it’s still safe to walk the streets, to hang out with your friends, to go to work. Just be responsible about it! Wash your hands, don’t touch your face if you can avoid it, and cough into your sleeve. And, if you begin

So there you have it.

I don’t have all the answers, but if you choose to be empowered, to be a leader, to be of service, to be open, and to be brave, you will no doubt be better equipped to navigate the current landscape with Coronavirus COVID-19 in our midst.